Drill new return or Hang-Over-Edge return?

[Idoc]

Still trying to get my 75g up and running. The previous owner had it setup with a single 1" drain line and 1" return both drilled from the bottom in a single corner overflow.

I was thinking of changing this to a Herbie drain setup for a little more safety and piece-of-mind than a single Durso standpipe drain system (and hopefully to be a little more quiet as well) in the corner overflow and then running a return up the back and either over the edge or drill a hole in the back of the tank.

1. Recommend drilling or over the edge return?
2. Any tricks to determine if the glass is tempered before drilling the back of the tank?
3. Should I still use a 1" return or go with a 3/4" return? Thinking to keep it as low-profile as possible if coming up the back...maybe 3/4" and Schedule 80 pipe instead of buying "colored" schedule 40.
4. Or should I just make this easy on myself and stick with the single Durso drain and 1" return line that the tank is already drilled to use?

 

[Reefing Madness]

I'd look at drilling for a Coast to Coast overflow.

 

[JoshH]

If the bottom is drilled odds are the sides can be drilled as well, don't see a reason for a typical manufacturer to use two different types of glass on one tank style. lots of options out now for drilled overflows with multiple size options and styles including slim ones that take up very little tank space. I've recently gone through the same issue myself and have settled on drilling my tank. If you do go the over the edge siphon overflow I would only reccomend lifereefs overflow. From my research when I was looking into it they are the only ones that have a solid record of not losing a siphon and flooding the tank.

 

[theMerchant]

Drill is safer and better, hob can fail and syphon water ad overfill

 

[Idoc]

If the bottom is drilled odds are the sides can be drilled as well, don't see a reason for a typical manufacturer to use two different types of glass on one tank style. lots of options out now for drilled overflows with multiple size options and styles including slim ones that take up very little tank space. I've recently gone through the same issue myself and have settled on drilling my tank. If you do go the over the edge siphon overflow I would only reccomend lifereefs overflow. From my research when I was looking into it they are the only ones that have a solid record of not losing a siphon and flooding the tank.

I looked at the LifesReef overflow... But, I may not have been clear in my initial message. If I drill into the back of the tank (or use a over-the-back return)...it is only for the return line, not the overflow and drain lines as well. I would still use the current corner overflow for the drain (Herbie-style setup).

 

[FishGuyBri]

I cannot offer any good input as I'm new but wanted to share that I've read often where manufacturers do use different types of glass within a single aquarium. Best to try and figure out the manufacturer if able.

 

[JoshH]

That went right over my head lol my bad, well in that case either HOB return or drilled would work well. HOB has the advantage of being moveable.

 

[cracker]

I "think" with only one drain ? A durso would be safest. A 75 won't require too much flow. Take it easy on Yourself. You're going to have a bunch of other stuff to work out.

 

[mpjmeyer]

I looked at the LifesReef overflow... But, I may not have been clear in my initial message. If I drill into the back of the tank (or use a over-the-back return)...it is only for the return line, not the overflow and drain lines as well. I would still use the current corner overflow for the drain (Herbie-style setup).

I initially purchased the Lifereef overflow. It looks like a great design and they are known not to fail, however it just looked bulky inside my tank. I ended up selling it and purchased the Synergy Shadow overflow along with the drill bit and never looked back!!! The template the Synergy comes with is nice and bulky making it very easy to tape to the tank and free hand drill it while your wife pours a little water. I would drill!!!

 

[cracker]

OhYa the Synergy's are nice !

 

[mpjmeyer]

I'm so happy I made that decision. I am not talking down on Lifereef HOB at all, but am glad I decided to drill instead. I do have the Lifereef sump and refugium that I'm happy with. If you decide to do HOB, you can't go wrong with Lifereef

 

[Idoc]

I "think" with only one drain ? A durso would be safest. A 75 won't require too much flow. Take it easy on Yourself. You're going to have a bunch of other stuff to work out.

Thanks! I do tend to over-think these sorts of things...then while I'm thinking, I don't get anything done! lol

 

[Idoc]

I initially purchased the Lifereef overflow. It looks like a great design and they are known not to fail, however it just looked bulky inside my tank. I ended up selling it and purchased the Synergy Shadow overflow along with the drill bit and never looked back!!! The template the Synergy comes with is nice and bulky making it very easy to tape to the tank and free hand drill it while your wife pours a little water. I would drill!!!

That does look really nice!